How to reach Rocca d’Angera and visit
For a visit to Rocca d’Angera, here are directions on where it is located and how to reach it.
The Borromea Fortress of Angera is located on the southeastern shore of Lake Maggiore, north of Sesto Calende, easily accessible by car.
Perched on a rocky outcrop, it had extraordinary importance from both a commercial and military standpoint since the Middle Ages.
The fortress changed hands over time, and today it belongs to the Borromeo family.
Among its rooms, there is the Justice Room with its frescoes painted by the anonymous “Master of Angera.” It also hosts a collection of dolls and toys, surrounded by a medieval garden.
A large free parking lot welcomes visitors.
It is open to the public from March to November. Always check the website isoleborromee.it for information on opening hours.
The historical halls
The stunning Rocca di Angera surprises with its size and grandeur.
Fantastic and enormous rooms where large canvases, portraits, furnishings, and the wonderful colors of the frescoes bring to mind times long gone, giving the visitor a glimpse of its ancient splendor!
Doll and Toy Museum
A magnificent collection of vintage dolls is housed in the Rocca, founded in 1988 by Princess Bona Borromeo Arese.
The collection stands out for its rarity, being the largest of its kind in Europe.
With over 1000 dolls dating from the 18th century to the present day, all adorned with precious outfits.
An immense display of toys and models leaves visitors speechless. It’s definitely worth a visit!
The Medieval Garden
Created in 2008, the medieval garden is organized into different areas.
Holm oaks and cypresses line a small stream, the pond containing goldfish and water irises, a pergola with its fountain where water flows in harmony with the surroundings.
Many species of flowers color the garden throughout the year, vegetables and aromatic herbs are cultivated in planters, fruit trees frame the scene.
A true paradise in the greenery!
Historical Overview
The village of Angera experienced significant commercial development as far back as Roman times, utilizing its natural inlet as a lake port for goods transported by water.
During the Middle Ages, it was under the control of the Bishop of Milan and was the stage for conflicts among local lords.
In the 13th century, the castle was built by Count Bonifacio II, which stands on the hill overlooking Lake Maggiore.
The fortress became an important administrative and commercial center for the surrounding area and subsequently passed to the Visconti of Milan in the 14th century.
In 1449, the castle was transferred to Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan, who renovated and expanded it.
The castle, passing through various owners over the centuries, including the noble Borromeo family, was used as a summer residence by the latter in the 18th century and was enriched with numerous works of art and precious objects.
In addition to the beauty of the castle, Angera is famous for its panoramic view of Lake Maggiore (or Lake Verbano) and its natural beauty.
The town has a vibrant cultural life and hosts numerous events throughout the year.
In summary, Angera is a village with a rich history and significant cultural heritage, which combine with the natural beauty of the area to offer visitors an unforgettable experience.
An interesting curiosity is that the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta discovered methane in the marshes of Angera during his summer vacations in 1776 and isolated it in 1778, calling it “flammable air of the marshes.”
See here all the daily itineraries around Laveno
